Methodological Assessment of Smallholder Farm Systems in Senegal: A Quasi-Experimental Approach to Cost-Efficiency Evaluation

Smallholder farming systems in Senegal are characterized by diverse agronomic practices and resource constraints. A systematic literature review employing rigorous inclusion criteria was conducted. Studies were evaluated based on their design, data sources, and analytical methods for measuring cost-effectiveness. Findings indicate that while some studies used regression discontinuity designs to assess cost-efficiency, there is a lack of consensus regarding the interpretation of results across different contexts in Senegal. The review highlights the need for standardised methodologies and transparent reporting practices to enhance comparability and reliability of cost-effectiveness assessments. Researchers are encouraged to adopt robust quasi-experimental designs, including regression discontinuity analysis, with clear documentation of assumptions and limitations. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.